How can I help our new Bard fit into our party? [Archive] - Wizards Community

How can I help our new Bard fit into our party? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
SmithyW
01-14-06, 04:43 AM The Setup:
Our party consists of a ranger, a fighter, a rogue and a cleric (my character). You probably already see the "hole" as far as filled roles goes: no "blaster". As expected, our fights take longer and are more dragged out than they would be with a few nicely timed damage/support spells.
We have a new player coming into the game that really wants to play a Bard.

The actual question:
I know the bard class is great for it's versatility, but what is the best way for them to fill the role of offensive magic user?

Thanks in advance :tiphat:
Elbethamore
01-14-06, 10:20 AM What level is the party?

If it's low-enough level, I think you can get some mileage out of Sleep, although at higher levels it will be less-effective and he may even want to replace it at some point.

Bards can deal some damage with their sonic spells, but it's not a very effecient use of their spellcasting potential.

Alternatively, the bard could do some back-up healing to take pressure off the cleric, and between the two of them they could do some good offensive spellcasting.
Shaggy_Shaggs
01-14-06, 10:27 AM If your funds are adequate, perhaps Use Magic Device and an assortment of wands could be used.
Selebius
01-14-06, 10:36 AM The bard fits in very well- just do not try and use him as a blaster. Use him as an combat effectiveness multiplier instead ;) .

The Inspire courage ability boosts the combat abilities of all party members and IMHO the combined attacks of an 'inspired' party can sometimes be more devestating than a Fireball.

Also the bard has access to the shadow conjuration/evocation line of spells and so he is able to blast things if the need arises, too.

Sel
schof
01-14-06, 11:40 AM bards dont do well as main offensive casters, however in a party you can negate the need with their little offensive casting and all the buffing/support they can dish out. In addition if you have a flexible dm he might allow you to tune up (horrible pun) the bard and allow some of his songs to do more than just what the book says. In addition you wont be as much in danger as players because the support healing is beautiful

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
SmithyW 01-14-06, 04:43 AM	The Setup: Our party consists of a ranger, a fighter, a rogue and a cleric (my character). You probably already see the "hole" as far as filled roles goes: no "blaster". As expected, our fights take longer and are more dragged out than they would be with a few nicely timed damage/support spells. We have a new player coming into the game that really wants to play a Bard. The actual question: I know the bard class is great for it's versatility, but what is the best way for them to fill the role of offensive magic user? Thanks in advance :tiphat:
Elbethamore 01-14-06, 10:20 AM	What level is the party? If it's low-enough level, I think you can get some mileage out of Sleep, although at higher levels it will be less-effective and he may even want to replace it at some point. Bards can deal some damage with their sonic spells, but it's not a very effecient use of their spellcasting potential. Alternatively, the bard could do some back-up healing to take pressure off the cleric, and between the two of them they could do some good offensive spellcasting.
Shaggy_Shaggs 01-14-06, 10:27 AM	If your funds are adequate, perhaps Use Magic Device and an assortment of wands could be used.
Selebius 01-14-06, 10:36 AM	The bard fits in very well- just do not try and use him as a blaster. Use him as an combat effectiveness multiplier instead ;) . The Inspire courage ability boosts the combat abilities of all party members and IMHO the combined attacks of an 'inspired' party can sometimes be more devestating than a Fireball. Also the bard has access to the shadow conjuration/evocation line of spells and so he is able to blast things if the need arises, too. Sel
schof 01-14-06, 11:40 AM	bards dont do well as main offensive casters, however in a party you can negate the need with their little offensive casting and all the buffing/support they can dish out. In addition if you have a flexible dm he might allow you to tune up (horrible pun) the bard and allow some of his songs to do more than just what the book says. In addition you wont be as much in danger as players because the support healing is beautiful